Government Announces Boiler Scrappage Scheme

“Building on our successful car scrappage scheme, I will help up to 125,000 homes replace the most inefficient boilers with new models.” declared Chancellor Alistair Darling today.

Homeowners in England will now be able to claim £400 subsidies for the purchase of new energy efficient boilers through a new, (and much petitioned) Boiler Scrappage Scheme, which was finally announced today by Chancellor Darling in his pre-budget report.

Similar to the car scrappage scheme concept, owners will now be able to trade in their old, inefficient boilers for new efficient models so to achieve a significant performance upgrade to their central heating and hot water system, while saving money on fuel bills.

Specifically, existing boilers rated G or worse will be eligible for the £400 boiler scrappage subsidy. Full details remain in abeyance as the Government once again dithers on the detail. However, gas industry sources are speculating that the actual subsidy claim would be the responsibility of the retailer or supplier – similar to the car scrappage scheme.

Controversially, the £50m Boiler Scrappage Scheme is only applicable to homes located within England and will most probably funded through tax receipts. The scheme is expected to commence early in the new year – (as the cold weather begins to bite!) and run until the £50m funds are used up.

Energy consultants from price comparison website – uSwitch.com, claim typical heating and hot water bills are over £750 per annum, and estimate a new, energy efficient boiler could save a typical homeowner nearly £250 off that bill.

The Boiler Scrappage Scheme provides families and homeowners the opportunity to greatly improve the performance, efficiency and safety of their heating systems during the coldest months of the years.